Similar Projects

Assemble an under-bed rollout

Some of the most useful and underutilized storage space in the bedroom
is right under the bed, but you can take advantage of it with this durable
rollout chest, made from a single sheet of plywood for $60. Plastic versions
are also available for as little as $20, but wood looks better, lasts longer and
lets you custom-size your rollout.

Measure the distance between the floor and the bottom of the bed.
Subtract 1/2 in. for clearance under the bed and 1/2 in. (on bare wood) to
1 in. (on thick carpet) for casters. Subtract another 1/2 in. for the hinged
top to arrive at the maximum height for the storage box sides.

Mark all the pieces on a sheet of plywood and cut
them with a table saw or a circular saw. Fasten 3/4-
in. square nailers to the edges of the base with glue
and finish nails or screws (1/2-in. plywood is too thin to nail
into on edge). Attach the sides to the base, adding square nailers at the corners.
Fasten the caster supports to the sides, then nail the outer side pieces
to the caster supports.

Attach the front and back. Add the filler strips on top of the caster
supports and the last nailer along the top edge of the back.
Finally, nail on the fixed top, set the hinged top against it
and screw on the hinges. Attach the hinges using 1/2-in.
screws so they don’t stick through the top.

Figure A: Storage Box Construction

Figure A, a Cutting List and a Materials List are available in pdf format in Additional Information below.